Cubs choose Tracy over Millar

The Chicago Cubs have decided to go with Chad Tracy to fill out their opening day roster. The team has also parted ways with Kevin Millar.

Tracy and Millar both went to camp as non roster invitees for the Cubs and while both were hitting early in camp it’s likely the numbers over the last two weeks played the biggest factor. Millar was 3-for-20 over his last ten appearances while Tracy was a tad better at 5-for-19. In addition Tracy offers the Cubs a fall back option at third base while Millar was being soley looked at as a first basemen/pinch hitter.

At 29 years of age Tracy has six seasons of big league experience but it’s been three full seasons since his 20 homer/80 RBI campaign in 2006. Since that time he’s been hobbled with a laundry list of injuries and has not topped 98 games played since.

Millar, now 38, spent last season with Toronto hitting .223/.311/.363 in 78 games. It’s been two full seasons since Millar was an effective regular and his numbers have taken a toll. He managed 20 home runs back in 2008 but it’s clear the days of Millar being a solid major league option are gone. Millar didn’t have other offers this winter so there is a chance this could be the end of the road for him. Still it’s also possible another team could sign him as early insurance to start the season.